Stanford Proposes Fraternization Rules

PALO ALTO, CALIF. — A proposed sexual harassment policy at Stanford University calls for stricter guidelines for romantic relationships between teachers and students.

Although it does not ban such relationships, the draft policy released Wednesday warns of their perils and gives more specific definitions of sexual harassment.

Stanford does not have any restrictions against consensual sex between professors and students, or between university administrators and their employees.

But the new proposals note that anyone who evaluates or supervises the work of others is expected to make decisions that are based on merit and perceived by others as fair and without favoritism.

''There are special risks in any sexual or romantic relationship between individuals in inherently unequal positions, such as teacher and student, supervisor and employee,'' the document cautioned.

Reflecting on how a once-happy romance between a professor and pupil can go sour, the policy shows how students can make formal harassment complaints if they become the object of unwelcome attention by a former faculty lover.

Stanford President Gerhard Casper has said he expects to decide on the new policy by June.